SCCS Discipline Policy

Santa Cruz City Schools

Secondary School (Grades 6-12) Behavior Expectations and Consequences

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The Santa Cruz City Secondary Schools maintain a safe environment conducive to learning. We believe that our first responsibility as educators is to support students in becoming safe and responsible adolsescents and young adults.

We expect all students to act responsibly and respectfully and to conduct themselves in a healthy, self valuing manner as they work to achieve their academic and career goals. We expect our schools to be free of put downs, slurs, harrassment, intimidation and bullying including cyber bullying.

We believe it is important for students and parents to understand the expectations of the staff in regards to behavior. We believe the goal of discipline is to change behavior, not to punish. To that end, when a student engages in the behaviors listed below, our first response will be to educate students on the repercussions of their behavior and work with them to avoid such behavior in the future. Consequences for repeated behaviors or moderate to severe behaviors which interfere with the safe, learning environment for all students are detailed below. Suspension from school is employed as a consequence only when other means of intervention have not been successful and/or when an unsafe condition has been created by the student’s behavior. There are incidences in which the schools are mandated by California Education Code Section 48900 to recommend expulsion from the Santa Cruz City Schools. These are noted below.

In addition, the Santa Cruz City Schools appreciates the relationship and support we receive from our law enforcement partners, the Santa Cruz Police Department and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. Our School Resource Officers are welcome members of our school community contributing to the safe learning environment we want for all students.

In matters of student discipline, we are obligated by law to call law enforcement whenever a student is engaged in assault leading to physical harm of another student, staff member or visitor. We will also call law enforcement if a student brandishes a knife, is in possession of a firearm or explosive device, or engages in sexual assault or battery. We may call law enforcement to investigate vandalism and theft, possession of a weapon, and to assist us in determining if a student is under the influence of a controlled substance.

We are required by law to notify law enforcement with in one school day when a student is under the influence, in possession of a controlled substance or involved in distribution or sales of a controlled substance.

Each school will maintain a log of contacts with law enforcement in matters of student discipline.

 

Santa Cruz City Secondary Schools Discipline

 

Behavior

1st offense

Possible consequences

2nd offense

Possible consequences

3rd offense

Possible consequences

Minor offenses

  • Academic dishonesty
  • Class misconduct
  • Defiance of the authority of teachers, administrators and/or staff members
  • Derogatory comment
  • Dress code violation
  • Electronic devise (cell phone, ipod, etc)
  • Falsehood/forged note
  • Laser pointer
  • Gang attire
  • Inappropriate Behavior/Language
  • Internet abuse
  • Name calling
  • No show/detention/Sat. School
  • Left campus w/out pass
  • Rough play/rough housing
  • Skate/Bike
  • Unauthorized Area
  • Unsafe Behavior

Conference/warning

Community service

Conflict resolution

Counseling

Letter of apology

Administrative educational assignment

Confiscate item

Conference/warning

Community service

Conflict resolution

Counseling

Detention

Letter of apology

Administrative educational assignment

Confiscate item

Parent contact

Conference/warning

Community service

Conflict resolution

Counseling

Detention

Letter of apology

Administrative educational assignment

Confiscate item

Parent contact

In school suspension

Suspension

Moderate offense

  • Bullying
  • Defiance of the authority of teachers, administrators and/or staff members
  • Inappropriate behavior/language
  • Obscene Acts, Profanity, and Vulgarity

Conference/warning

Community service

Conflict resolution

Counseling

Detention

Letter of apology

Administrative educational assignment

Conference/warning

Community service

Conflict resolution

Counseling

Detention

Letter of apology

Administrative educational assignment

Saturday School

Suspension

Conference/warning

Community service

Conflict resolution

Counseling

Detention

Letter of apology

Administrative educational assignment

Saturday School

In school suspension

Suspension

Violation of CA Education Code or Illegal Acts

  • Aided or abetted Physical Injury
  • Caused, attempted, or Threatened Physical Injury
  • Committed an Act of Hate Violence
  • Defiance of authority--repeated, ongoing or sufficiently serious as to interfere with the learning process or endanger the welfare of others
  • Harassment or Intimidation-creating pervasive climate interfering with the educational process
  • Harassment or Intimidation of Witness
  • Hazing
  • Made Terrorist Threats
  • Obscene Acts, Profanity, and Vulgarity
  • Offered, Arranged, or Negotiated Sale of Controlled Substance, Alcohol, or Drug Paraphenalia
  • Possession of an Imitation Firearm
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance
  • Possession or use of Tobacco Products
  • Possession, Use, or Furnishing Controlled Substance or Alcohol
  • Property damage
  • Property theft
  • Received stolen property

Community service

Conflict resolution

Counseling

Administrative educational assignment

Seven Challenges

Suspension

Suspension

Expulsion

Suspension

Expulsion

Mandated recommendation for Expulsion

  • Assault or battery upon a school employee
  • Brandishing a Knife
  • Caused serious physical injury
  • Possession of an explosive
  • Possession of a controlled substance (except for 1st offense < 1 oz of marijuana)
  • Possession of a fire arm
  • Robbery or extortion
  • Sales of any controlled substance including marijuana
  • Sexual assault or sexual battery

Mandated recommendation for expulsion